Toward a Biblical Approach to Masturbation

Abstract

Evangelical viewpoints regarding the almost universal phenomenon of masturbation range from unqualified acceptance to unqualified rejection, yet there is little evidence of a thorough biblical foundation for these views. To help meet this need, this study evaluates the issue of masturbation within the corneal of six major objections employed by those who condemn it on biblical grounds. These objections are found to provide limiting principles, but they do not support universal condemnation. A key biblical text is proposed to support a relatively neutral attitude toward masturbation. A fully biblical approach must consequently include both tolerance and the limitations imposed by God's Word.